Review: 1MORE ComfoBuds Z Sleep Earbuds
I have a pretty packed daily schedule, so I look for any opportunity to squeeze in learning more things or occasionally be entertained, even when it’s not particularly convenient. For instance, when I’m in bed and too tired to read – or just after reading or watching TV or something – I’ll often listen to an Audible audiobook of some type for 15 – 30 minutes or so. The best solution I’ve found to date is using a Bluetooth headband designed primarily for sleep. It works well, overall, although the hard nubs on the outside could be a little more comfortable. The 1MORE ComfoBuds Z promises to be the ultimate such solution for bedtime listening by actually going deep inside your ear canal, sort of like a tiny hearing aid.
Right off the bat, I’ll say that I have small, shallow ears, so I was concerned going in. Unfortunately, my concerns were justified. Even using the smallest ear tips from the included set and placing the ComfoBuds Z correctly and deeply into my ear canals, when laying on a soft pillow I could still feel the buds pressing against my ears. So I personally can’t use these for their intended purposes, which is a real shame. With that said, I think because of how my ears are nothing of this type would really work for me. It’s the sleep headband or nothing I think.
Sound quality is very good overall with nice clarity and just enough bass so as not to be annoying. These are not exactly AirPods quality, but then these also don’t cost anywhere near the same amount either. The charging case is similarly nice, if a bit bulky, and charges over USB-C. A very short USB-C cable, along with a small drawstring bag if you want to store your case in something else, is included.
Because these ear buds go so deep in your ear canal, they provide passive noise canceling. Active noise canceling like you get on the much larger AirPods Pro is still better, but it’s not something you’ll be getting at this price point.
One other consideration you’ll have to make is that since these ear buds go so deep in your ear holes, they do pick up a lot of ear wax, even if you clean your ears at least once a day like I do. It’s kind of gross and not a problem I experience with less invasive ear buds. This is not really the fault of the product, of course, but is something to consider.
Pairing with my iPhone was super simple and just like any other ear buds of this type. You open the case, long press the button, and then select the ComfoBuds Z from the list. 1MORE has a 1MORE MUSIC app that I didn’t test that has some sleep sounds and what-not, but I have my own apps for such things (I especially like running Brown Noise all night for a deeper sleep).
Overall, these are well-designed, well-intentioned headphones, with good sound. Unfortunately, for me, they just don’t work for their intended purpose. I suspect if your ear type is different than mine, they would work better for you.
